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View: Reported Leeds United swoop for “ideal” Premier League veteran is a must

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Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign free agent goalkeeper Ben Foster as backup to Illan Meslier.

With Jesse Marsch finding key signings to raise the quality of his squad depth while also addressing key gaps in the squad, there are a couple of issues that still remain.

Behind Illan Meslier, there is little in the way of concrete competition for a starting spot, and the club could be in line to find their experienced backup to the Frenchman in former Watford stopper, Ben Foster – per the Daily Mail.

The 39-year-old is out of contract having departed recently-relegated Watford and is someone Leeds are reportedly interested in.

Here, our LeedsAllOver writers Alfie (N12) and Kris (FA5) explore this potential signing…

In many ways it’s the ideal type of signing Leeds should be looking to make.

Illan Meslier is the club’s first choice and that should not change. He still needs as much first team exposure as possible, but he also needs support.

Kristoffer Klaesson, meanwhile, needs to develop out of the limelight, heightening that need for a new goalkeeper.

At 39, Foster will play the supporting role to Meslier. He will be a good influence around Thorp Arch and push a young pool of goalkeepers in the right direction.

You’ve also got the added bonus that, if he’s needed, he’s more than good enough for the level Leeds are at for the odd game.

It’s not the type of deal that’ll catch too many headlines, but it’s one you really want to see the club get over the line.

Should Leeds pursue a deal for Foster?

Yes

Yes

No

No

When sourcing experienced cover for Meslier, we need to find someone who would be happy to be playing second fiddle to the young ‘keeper, and Foster surely would be.

Having left Watford, the offer of remaining in the Premier League at a club looking to head in the other direction to the Hornets might be something that really appeals to the ex-England man.

From our perspective, there isn’t much that I can say as a downside to this sort of deal, given what we need from the player who may come in.

At 39, he’s not expecting to come in as first-choice, but he’s still got what it takes to step in when needed, as his 26 league appearances last season showed.

Having someone with such Premier League pedigree to his name to mentor Meslier would be massive for his development and to me, this would be a no-brainer of a signing if the club did decide to pursue it.

There’s no pressure on Foster, no pressure on Leeds to justify his arrival, and Meslier gets the backup he’s needed since promotion to the top flight.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.